Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
2605. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if consideration will be given to providing pay for occupational therapy students currently providing services in placement programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1365/26]
View answerPlacements for health and social care programmes, including occupational therapy, are arranged at the level of each individual Higher Education Institution as part of their programme offering, to be delivered in conjunction with relevant clinical placement providers.
Placement hours are a requirement of the regulator to meet the standards of professional capability necessary to practice in a regulated profession. In the case of health and social care professions the principal regulator is CORU, under the aegis of the Department of Health, which sets the standards of education and training required for the professions which fall within its remit.
Regarding any payments while on placement, this is a matter for the relevant employer, which, in the public sector, would be the HSE, and in other cases, private providers. My Department does not provide payments for students while on placement.
Financial assistance for students can be applied for via SUSI for the Student Grant Scheme. My Department also funds the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). The SAF assists students in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended and on www.studentfinance.ie. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
